CN102762166B - Device for the detection of non-cavitated early dental caries lesions - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a device for detecting non-cavitated caries lesions, including a measuring electrode having an electrically conductive tip. The tip is dimensionally configured to fit within a fissure and provide electrical contact with a patient's tooth. A reference electrode is also included, the reference electrode being configured for electrical contact with the patient's body. A measuring means is also provided for determining electrical conductance between the measuring electrode and the reference electrode, wherein the device is further configured to receive a current source for providing electrical current between the measuring electrode and the reference electrode.

Description

For detection of the device of cavitation early-stage caries not

Technical field

Present invention relates in general to the detection that dental caries damage.More specifically, the present invention relates to for detection of not electric installation and the method for cavitation early-stage caries.

Background technology

Dental caries is tooth in the near future recurrent disease of eruption in oral cavity, and is to the tooth of most people disadvantageous situation generally.The position that is easy to especially dental caries development is the occlusal surface of backteeth.This is because these surfaces have the form (, some gap, dehiscence furrow and nest) that is conducive to fermentable saccharide and bacterial biof iotalm delay to a great extent.These two kinds of entities are the essential elements in dental caries reason.They combine and cause causing tooth demineralization and the beginning of dental caries damage and the sour generation of development.Compared with other place in mankind's dentition, more decayed tooth occlusal position and in less degree between neighbour dentition position (tooth is here in contact with one another) occur.This is because antibacterial and fermentable saccharide are more easily assembled herein, and compared with the dentition position that can touch saliva with other majorities, the antibacterial at this place and fermentable saccharide have been subject to suppressing the protection of the dental caries of saliva effect.

Dental caries starts as demineralization process, and demineralization process has caused development (Longbottom C. and Huysmans M.C.D.N.J.M.E, dental caries research periodical 29,94-99,1995 through the non-conductive adamantine hole of protectiveness and hole.Longbottom C. and the Huysman s M.C.D.N.J.M. electric measurement J.Dent.Res 83(C special issue for using in dental caries clinical trial) C76-C79,2004).Continue demineralization and finally cause enamel cracking.Once enamel cracking, dental caries can develop and diffuse through dentin below rapidly, and dentin is than the few a lot of tissue of enamel mineralising.Because dentin is passed by many tubules, so that this diffusion becomes is easy.Especially in younger tooth, even if be not that great majority also have a lot of dentinal tubules to extend to dental pulp (the theoretical J.Clin.D ent.5:65-67 of Pashley D.H. dental sensitivity, 1994) in these dentinal tubules.

The mankind are difficult to the not cavitation dental caries in some gap, dehiscence furrow and the nest of backteeth particularly to damage and detect and assess.The tooth relating generally to comprises the first and second main molars, premolar teeth and the molar of Permanent dentition.Between these teeth and neighbour, dentition position is the place that most of tooth cavity occur.

At present, the detection of dental caries development mainly utilizes the formula of simply the picking up device that is commonly referred to tooth detector to carry out by dentist or other dental care supplier.The demonstration that this detection is lost by visual inspection mineral is carried out, and carries out in the situation that utilizing or not utilizing x ray.Even have dental caries to be penetrated in dentin, in these instruments, also neither one is suitable for high percentage ratio and detects not cavitation interlock dental caries and damages.These early-stage development dental caries have many dental caries to damage not yet cavitation in damaging, but relate to through adamantine extensive tunnelling, and this one-tenth tunnelling may can not detect.This dental caries development is often difficult to find until the destruction of dentine becomes significantly and little by little relate to more and more dentin.Owing to finding difficulty, therefore these disease damages are commonly referred to hiding dental caries (Weerheijm KL, the clinical diagnosis of van Amerongen WE and Eggink CO. interlock dental caries: Aproblem.J.Dent.Child.56,196-200,1989).Their early discovery is conventionally missed or relates to many uncertain.As expected, there is chance (the Verdonschot E.H. that dental pulp infringement occurs and tooth unnecessarily loses, Wenzel A., the performance of the resistance measurement that is attached to visual inspection in the early diagnosis of Truin G.J. and Konig K.G. interlock dental caries, J.Dent.21:332-337,1993).What satirize is, caries preventive agent fluoride may be unfavorable for earlier detection, this is because caries preventive agent fluoride is conducive to a small amount of cavitation (Hudson P. and Kutsch V.K. Wicresoft dentistry (microdentistry): current some gap and dehiscence furrow dental caries management Comp endium 22:469-483,2001).This is to reduce because fluoride makes to cover Dentinal adamantine solubility, make thus enamel most ofly keep complete, and dentin below continues demineralization (LussiA., Firestone A., Schoenberg V., HotzP. utilize the live body diagnosis Caries Res.29:81-87 of the dehiscence furrow dental caries of new electrical resistance monitoring device with Stich H., 1995).For this reason, it is highly important that as far as possible early and easily detect dental caries and damage.

Because the enamel of the tooth of just eruption shows porous to a certain degree conventionally, so if having exposed lasting a period of time with them under the condition that can not generate hole and mineralising in mouth compares, the dentine of this firm eruption is easier to dental caries development.This improvement continuing for some time is called maturation, and because these many exposure teeth that expose in tooth need to occur from calcium and the phosphate ion of the saliva acquisition together with multiple proteins accumulation.These changes relate to enamel mineralising increase, enamel permeability reduce and dental caries resistance larger.If apply fluoride or naturally absorb fluoride in tooth maturation process, this is helpful (Ie Y.L., Verdonschot E.H., the adamantine electric conductance Caries of dehiscence furrow Res.29:94-99 in the molar of the Schaeken M.J.M up-to-date eruption relevant with dental caries state with vant Hof M.A., 1995).In contrast, in the mouth that has dental caries tendency that has demineralization environment, more easily there is adverse consequences, that is, and the porosity of increase and the development of cavitation.

Some methods are unsuccessfully for detection of the dental caries in commitment.There is no visible tooth mineral loss and do not see cavitation, the ability of yet testing the conductive electric current of tooth even if one of them method relates to from enamel.Resistance is associated with the complete adamantine existence of not demineralization; But, along with the development of dental caries damage and enamel mineral little by little lose, fluid may ooze therein, and adamantine resistance is corresponding and little by little reduce (Williams D.L., the resistance J.Dent.Res.57:31-35 that Tsamtsouris A. and White G.E. are relevant to sense of touch inspection on occlusal surface, 1978, Longbotto m C. and the Huysmans M.C.D.N.J.M. electric measurement J.Dent.Res.83(C special issue for using in dental caries clinical trial) C76-C79,2004).

More easily there is adamantine cracking in crazing ditch position, biting point.As mentioned above, these dentition positions are places that acidogenic antibacterial and fermentable saccharide can stand remarkable and continuous interaction continued presence.This can help to extend sour generation, and helps conversely to extend and the demineralization of expansion tooth.Along with everything occurs, at enamel, position, the hole place that demineralization position and saliva penetrate fully reaches a bit, and the ion comprising due to saliva, and flowing of electric current can occur the possibility of result.Demineralization is expansion more, and these events more easily occur, and more easily detects dental caries and damage development.

Early stage researcher utilizes flow directing device to measure resistance or electrical conductivity to determine tooth and whether lost mineral and become dental caries that (Pincus P. is for checking whether molar groove exists the new method tooth physiology 113:13-14 of dental caries, 1951, relation between the resistance of Mumford J.M. human teeth and existence and the degree of dental caries, Brit.Dent.J.100, 239-244, 1956, mayuzumi Y., the method J.Dent.Res.43 that Suzuki K. and Sunada J. diagnose the incipient dental caries in a crazing ditch by measuring resistance, 431, 1964, Takeuchi M.Kizu T., Shimizu T., Eto M. and Amano F. utilize resin binder II to carry out a sealing for crazing ditch, the result of the work on the spot of nine months, the investigation Bull Tokyo Dent Coll 7 of the electrical conductance of tooth, 60-71, 1966, Williams D.L., the dependency J.Dent.Res.57:31-35 that sense of touch on Ts amtsouris A. and White G.E. resistance and occlusal surface checks, 1978).Other researcher uses subsequently alternating current and measures impedance to be substantially the same thing (White G.E., the longitudinal study J.Pedod 5 of the detection of electrons of Tsamtsouris A. and Williams D.L. interlock dental caries, 191-201,1981, the clinical diagnosis of Pitts N.B. dental caries: a European perspective J.Dent.Educ.65:972-978,2001).Hole checkout gear is all provided in each case, this hole checkout gear comprises measuring probe, direct current or alternating current power supply, resistance source, impedance or electric conductivity detector and the applicable reference electrode be made up of conducting metal, and this reference electrode is attached to the non-oral soft tissue portion of health conventionally.Human body be fully conduction so that measuring probe (, indicator electrode) and reference electrode between complete the conducting via health become possibility, this reference electrode conventionally by adhesive attachment means or by means of metal hook attach to such as the facies ventralis of forearm or cervical region wait body surface below, the end of this metal hook is immersed in saliva of buccal cavity conventionally around twisting in lower lip.

Unless enamel has breach due to demineralization or owing to breaking, otherwise enamel is non-conductive.In the time there is breach, be positioned at tool fatiscent enamel place or enter into the fatiscent adamantine fluid of tool and made it possible to allow the circuit that flows through of electric current.The electric current using in size can be low to several microamperes (μ A).Therefore be even, also safe for the patient (me dically compromised) of the resistance that suffers for want of medical supplies.In addition, process is painless.

Previously had been found that must in the time measuring, take special preventive measure do not cause to guarantee to conduct with tooth on saliva other moisture or mouthful in other local saliva or other conductive component produce any periphery electric conductance.Measurement electrode with this isolation of saliva be around successful absolute demand.Can be by utilizing rubber dam to realize isolation completely (Williams D.L., the dependency J.Dent.Res.57:31-35 that the sense of touch on Tsamtsouris A. and White G.E. resistance and occlusal surface checks, 1978).But, in the time of the extensive examination of mouth of needs, use rubber dam trouble and impracticable.Instead, most researcheres have used from the air-flow of air syringe to attempt around measuring position but at measuring position place, tooth have not been dried.Simply, unanimously and rapidly carrying out everything has been subject matter.

The people such as Li Jici use air-flow around measurement electrode so that measuring position and ambient surface electric conductance isolation (Ricketts D.N.J., kidd E.A.M. and Wilson R.F. are used for the Brit.Dent.J178:11-17 that reappraises of the resistance measurement of diagnosing interlock dental caries, 1995).But the size on the measurement top that these researcheres use is large, has hindered accurate measurement.In addition the situation when, thering is the shape on this large top of dry feature or size and form to such an extent that be unsuitable for more effectively surveying multiple position.

Current method often produces wrong and/or variable reading.Current method also lacks early and accurately, fast and as one man detects the ability that cavitation dental caries do not damage.Electrical connection between fluid in the measurement electrode at the testing requirement enamel surface measuring position place that substantially, cavitation dental caries do not damage and dental caries damage.Detect and also require directly not exist any electric conductance around disease damage position.In addition it is necessary, immediately knowing the method whether suitably operating.

Summary of the invention

The invention provides for detection of the device that cavitation dental caries do not damage, it comprises the measurement electrode with electric conductivity top.Top is configured to be received in dehiscence furrow dimensionally, and provides and the electrically contacting of patients teeth, and without adding in addition external conductive parts measuring between top and tooth.For this purpose, used in the prior art multiple fluid.Also comprise reference electrode, reference electrode is configured for electrically contacting with patient body.Also be provided with measurement component, for determining the electric conductance between measurement electrode and reference electrode, wherein, device is also configured to receive for the current source of the electric current between measurement electrode and reference electrode is provided.

The present invention is also provided for detecting the method that cavitation dental caries do not damage.The method comprises the steps: to be provided for the reference electrode contacting with patient body electric conductivity; And the measurement electrode with electric conductivity top is provided, this electric conductivity top is configured to be received in dehiscence furrow dimensionally, and provides and the electrically contacting of patients teeth, and without adding in addition electroconductive component measuring between top and tooth.Measurement electrode is configured to be received in dehiscence furrow and provides and the electrically contacting of patients teeth.Between measurement electrode and reference electrode, provide electric current, and electric conductance between definite measurement electrode and reference electrode.

These objects of the present invention and other object and advantage will be more apparent from the following detailed description of accompanying drawing and preferred implementation.

Brief description of the drawings

With reference to following accompanying drawing, unrestricted and non exhaustive embodiment of the present invention is described.In the accompanying drawings, identical Reference numeral refers to identical parts in each figure, except as otherwise noted.

Figure 1A is the schematic diagram that is incorporated into the probe in dehiscence furrow according to of the present invention;

Figure 1B is the schematic diagram with the dehiscence furrow of slit;

Fig. 1 C is the schematic diagram with the dehiscence furrow of contracted hourglass shape;

Fig. 1 D is the schematic diagram with the dehiscence furrow of DaoYXing branch;

Fig. 2 A is the schematic diagram of the dehiscence furrow in dry enamel before;

Fig. 2 B is the schematic diagram of the dehiscence furrow in dry enamel afterwards;

Fig. 2 C is the schematic diagram that prior art electrode catheter detects that passes through being dried afterwards;

Fig. 2 D is the schematic diagram detecting by electrode catheter according to the present invention;

Fig. 3 A is according to the schematic isometric of hand-held measuring probe of the present invention;

Fig. 3 B is the schematic isometric that is mounted to the dismantled and assembled measurement top of the probe of Fig. 3 A;

Fig. 4 A is according to the schematic diagram on measurement of the present invention top;

Fig. 4 B is according to the diagrammatic side view on measurement of the present invention top;

Fig. 5 is the schematic diagram of the building block of embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is the diagrammatic elevation view of the front panel of embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is the curve chart that the relation between electric conductance and demineralization is shown;

Fig. 8 is the curve chart that is illustrated in the relation between molar dehiscence furrow position electric conductance and the probe tip of different top end diameter;

Fig. 9 is the curve chart that the relation between electric conductance and the commercially available detector top end diameter of molar dehiscence furrow position is shown; And

Figure 10 is the curve chart that is illustrated in the relation between another (in Figure 10 be difficult for obtain) molar dehiscence furrow position electric conductance and different commercially available tooth diameter detector.

Figure 11 dental caries surface by obtaining depending on sense of touch (VT) means and electric conductance (EC) means, in the time of baseline and after 14 months that is comparison according to table 6 and table 7 and perfect the curve chart of the detection of dental surface.

Detailed description of the invention

Figure 1A is the schematic diagram that is incorporated into the probe in dehiscence furrow 120.As used in this article, term " dehiscence furrow 120 " can comprise other similar area or the out-of-flatness in any tooth point gap, dehiscence furrow, nest or tooth.As shown in Figure 1A, early-stage caries 140 can form and diffusion below enamel 110.Early-stage caries 140 is very common and by traditional conventionally can not detecting depending on sense of touch inspection or x ray.(see Fig. 2 C and Fig. 2 D) as will be described below in more detail, traditional measurement probe 130 is too large or do not have suitably taper to attenuate all can not to protrude into fully in the some crazing ditch of substantially having found these disease damages.The size and shape on measurement electrode top 130 detects 140 and obtaining unanimously and most important aspect measurement accurately for early-stage caries.

As shown in Figure 1A, the dehiscence furrow 120 being formed in enamel 110 can start and narrow towards dentin with wide opening at adamantine top.Should be appreciated that dehiscence furrow 120 also can be formed in enamel 110 with various shape.For example, dehiscence furrow 120 is can be as shown in Figure 1A wide at top and narrow gradually towards bottom.Dehiscence furrow 120 also can have from the top to the bottom almost identical width or comprise as shown in Figure 1B extremely narrow slit.Dehiscence furrow 120 can also comprise DaoYXing branch (Fig. 1 C) or be formed as contracted hourglass (Fig. 1 D).In some embodiments, the width of dehiscence furrow 120 changes to about 0.3 millimeter from about 0.05 millimeter.In at least some embodiments, the width of dehiscence furrow 120 changes to about 0.2 millimeter from about 0.1 millimeter.The length of dehiscence furrow 120 can be from about 0.5 millimeter to about 1.5 millimeters.The length of dehiscence furrow 120 also can be from about 0.75 millimeter to about 1.25 millimeters.

Therefore, the important difference between the present invention and prior art is the difference on the size and shape on measurement electrode top 130.Therefore, this measuring probe 130 on diameter less and more suitably taper attenuate, make it possible to deeper to protrude in a crazing ditch (being difficult to the position arriving with other).The size of tips of probes 130 make it possible to breach position in enamel and enamel below dentin (or cementum) in more depths exist fluid contact.Such fluid almost always exists, but quantitatively not enough and be not enough to close enamel surface after dry, to can get at the electrode for carrying out accurate electric conductance or resistance measurement using in prior art always, particularly in the situation that measuring between top and tooth without external conductive parts, carry out.

Forward Fig. 2 A to 2D to, if exist and conduct between the fluid 220 in top and the early stage enamel disease damage of measurement electrode, needn't as required in the method proposing in prior art, need between electrode and disease damage, apply conductor fluid or conductive media.But if make the dry tips of probes afterwards of dental surface reach fluid 220 with the air blowing out, result is open circuit.As shown in Fig. 2 C, the probe 250 not thrusting fully easily causes some air to remain between the fluid 220 in tips of probes 250 and disease damage.As shown in Figure 2 D, in the time that tips of probes 260 is less and be more suitably shaped and locate, can there is not above-mentioned situation.This is because air is non-conductive, and if leave enough air after air drying, does not have electric current.Result is zero electric conductance reading (, false negative), and this zero electric conductance reading is also the reading (, true negative) obtaining while not existing dental caries to damage.It may be important problem that surface not have fully dry, and this is because the excessive moisture on surface also can produce the reading (, false positive) that shows to exist disease damage in the time not there is not dental caries damage.

As mentioned above, with rubber dam make tooth and its generally moist oral environment isolation can realize to a certain extent necessary drying condition.By these parts, do not contact with saliva or other conductor fluid in mouth the saliva at measuring position place.Owing to having used rubber dam, people's tooth can be isolated completely, and can freely use the conducting objects such as mastic such as saline or toothpaste etc.These are by conduct (WILLIAMS-DARLING Ton etc., 1978) between the fluid of easily guaranteeing in measuring probe and dental caries damage.But, in the time there is no rubber dam, such as the conducting objects of toothpaste etc. may have cannot be dry composition, and cannot avoid indirect conduction.But, as pointed out, use rubber dam to cause very slow checking process as saliva barrier device in the above, therefore, except may, limited caries diagnosis situation, be unpractical clinically.

Researcher in the past carries out air drying (WILLIAMS-DARLING Ton etc., 1978 years) subsequently facing in the measurement end of measuring probe being immersed in to patient's saliva or cream or another conductor fluid saline solution such as saline before placing probe always.Verified being difficult to carries out under the state of electrical connection that this is dry and horizontal saliva conduction do not occur fast and always guaranteeing that probe and dental caries damage.Obviously can find out from this trial, in the dry too difficulty of avoiding in the electric conductance situation of horizontal oral cavity, to such an extent as to can not repeatedly and within the short time such as such as several seconds realize always.It is important can in live body, within such a period of time, surveying each tooth.Otherwise process may spend the long time (if especially need to carry out multiple tooth detections) and become impracticable.

People's (nineteen ninety-five) such as the Lucy as the people such as above Li Jici (nineteen ninety-five) in measuring position and measure used around top have certain effect for dry covering, and other people attempt to realize simply repeatability by apply constant air flow within fixing a period of time.But the former reduces the quick detection of probe access performance and identification conduction position.Standard dry run is below verified improper and unreliable for clinical research or clinical practice.

Seen in Fig. 2 D, compared with traditional measurement electrode, the present invention has utilized has the electrode that makes it possible to measuring probe suitably to place and penetrate into the shape and size in a crazing ditch position.The method can be placed in a gap or dehiscence furrow measurement electrode 260, wherein, (i) the dentin liquid that is positioned at depths is difficult to or can not during air drying, be shifted, and (ii) even after the dental surface around measuring position is significantly dried, the hat seepage of dental pulp/dentin liquid is (due to the hydrostatic pressure existing in dentinal tubule and capillary pressure; 1967) still sufficient to guarantee electrode more effectively thrust.In the time there is cracking, dentinal tubule exposes, and tubule is exposed to oral environment.Therefore, can more easily complete the electric conductance of dentin liquid and the crown measurement that liquid is led ( deng people, 1966 and 1967).Air drying may make the surfactant fluid in breach position reduce, but can compensate this fluid deficiency from the hat seepage of depths, breach position simultaneously.

As protective layer, the cemental effect of root is as enamel, but its cracking is different from adamantine cracking, and cementum is thinner, porous more conventionally, and be difficult to keep dry.

Fig. 3 A is the schematic isometric of hand-held measuring probe 300.Particularly, hand-held measuring probe 300 is made up of three parts, comprising: electric insulation handle portion 330, insulation clamp knurled knob 320 and easily replacing, measuring probe adnexa dismantled and assembled, square substantially or tips of probes 310(are shown in Fig. 3 A and Fig. 4).Tips of probes 310 can be made up of the metal of such as rustless steel etc., and this metal is stress very firm, flexible and that can stand physical treatment and relate to.Measuring probe adnexa 310 is preferably square more easily to make tips of probes adjust for being directly inserted in the tooth position of being paid close attention to.Other angle also can, just unsatisfactory.The part being inserted in clamping knurled knob 320 on dismantled and assembled measurement top 310 can change to 40.0 millimeters from 20.0 millimeters in length.In some embodiments, the part clamping in knurled knob 320 and/or handle 330 that is inserted on dismantled and assembled measurement top 310 is about 30 millimeters in length.In addition, this part can change to 2.0 millimeters from 1.0 millimeters on diameter.In some embodiments, this part is 1.5 millimeters on diameter.Distance from bending section to top can change to 9.0 millimeters from 6.0 millimeters.In some embodiments, this distance is 7.5 millimeters.After bending section, the diameter that thins down to before sharp keen pointed cone of taper can be in the scope of 0.2 millimeter to 0.4 millimeter.In some embodiments, the diameter after bending section is 0.3 millimeter.As shown in Figure 4 A, top need to comprise that tapered portion is to realize cusp.In suitable embodiment, in the scope with respect to the tapering of cusp between 5 ° to 30 °.The tapering with respect to cusp with the angle of 10 ° is preferred.As shown in Figure 4 B, this length that causes tapered portion is 1.8 millimeters.In some embodiments, the length of tapered portion can be between 1.6 millimeters to 2.0 millimeters.Shape and sharp keen top can farthest penetrate in a crazing ditch position measuring probe, wherein, more easily have the fluid always existing as described in Fig. 2.In some embodiments, top has the diameter of 0.04 millimeter to 0.06 millimeter, is preferably the diameter with 0.03 millimeter to 0.05 millimeter.

Do not pollute in order easily to use and to guarantee, easily attached and removable disposable top is ideal.Probe portion can be made of metal, and this metal has enough intensity and flexible be shaped as tiny measurement top and can reuse when needed making it possible to.The verified orthodontia stainless steel wire that is suitable for this object has been defined as 304V(Lip river Ji Shan orthodontia company, city of Denver, the state of Colorado).It has chemical formula: carbon 0.066%, manganese 1.26%, phosphorus 0.018%, sulfur 0.001%, chromium 18.59%, nickel 8.80%, molybdenum 0.15%, nitrogen 0.025%, copper 0.25%, cobalt 0.15%, wherein, use ferrum compensation balance.This wire material and tips of probes thereof are easy to carry out sterilizing in the mode of the physics to them and electrical characteristic generation minimum influence.For business reason, because probe electrode manufactures simple and marked downly, so that they can be made is disposable.If the spring tension that can electrically contact by knurled knob parts or by the generation between extension and the spire that is inserted into the rigid element in handle 320 of electrode tip 310 like this, contacts, adnexa is attached to the handle of measurement electrode.

With reference to Fig. 3 B, show the dismantled and assembled electrode tip 325 that is installed on probe 300.Top 325 comprises tapered tip shell 322, and this tapered tip shell 322 has the opening 324 that is positioned at distal end and buckle or the threaded portion 326 that is positioned at proximal end.The electrode tip 310 with coaxial reinforced sheath 340 is passed the opening 324 of shell 322 and is fixed therein, and ends at coil spring part 350.

Probe 300 ends at the electrode tip with top anchoring section 342, and this top anchoring section 342 has and passes therethrough and outstanding electrical contacts 344.In operation, top 325 is mounted to probe 300 by making the buckle of top shell 322 or threaded portion be fixed on anchoring section 342.Meanwhile, coil spring part 350 is compressed on electrical contacts 344 and with it and electrically contacts.

Use has the indicator electrode that thrusts electrode tip of just now describing, and has eliminated the needs that as conductive media, oral cavity applied fluid.In the existing method for measuring electrical conductivity, electrode size and shape need apply fluid to guarantee and the electrically contacting of dentin liquid.This method simplifies the present invention by eliminating this requirement significantly, and the most important thing is, this method can be measured more fast and more accurately than previous possible method the user of device.

Conventionally adopt from the brief dry air air-flow of 5 seconds to 10 seconds of tooth air syringe and complete the work that all salivas on dental surface for surface conductance is eliminated are dried.Like this can be easily the entrance of most of occlusal surfaces and some crazing ditch to be measured be dried, but the fluid generation effect of more depths (and the air blowing out is not easy to arrive) of being positioned in the disease damage of this method for some gap to be measured or dehiscence furrow is less or not effect.By top is dipped in the conductor fluid such as saline etc., use such conductor fluid to be coated with to carry out measurement electrode for promote with dimensionally than the electrical conductivity of the great electrode of electricity disclosed herein (WILLIAMS-DARLING Ton etc., 1978 years).But conventionally leave during the course some air, and cause zero reading, and no matter whether disease damage exists.

Substantially, adopt traditional electrode, as seen in Fig. 2 C, accessibility is limited in a porch for crazing ditch to a great extent.Therefore, the source, oral cavity of conductor fluid (no matter being the additament on occlusal surface of saliva or oral external) becomes necessary.This makes to be difficult to realize repeatability, especially within shorter a period of time required for practical process.In contrast, the present invention is without electric conductance adjuvant.

conductance measurement

Damage in order to detect dental caries, can measure electric conductance.In some embodiments, gauge is characterised in that: (i) the battery with DC current source power supply that supplies as required induced current, (ii) measure the digital microampere meter of electric current, (iii) the digital voltmeter of measuring voltage (if needs), (iv) make some functions become possible circuit board, these some functions are convenient to fast, reading of stable and reproducible electric conductance reading, (v) reference electrode, this reference electrode is placed to away from measuring position, make it can not produce physical interference to the measurement of relevant dentition position, and (vi) electric insulation is measured indicator probe, this electric insulation is measured indicator probe and (is for example had head, No. XHP1, Elman international corporation, Ou Shen Saden, New York 11572) and removable measurement top.

For being the not adjusting current source that the circuit of timer provides the Voltaic battery of electric power can produce the output that is limited to 10 microamperes.This Voltaic battery provides the open circuit output of 9 volts and 0 microampere.These values are corresponding with following situation: probe does not contact with tooth position to be measured or contacts with tooth position to be measured in the time that enamel is complete (, not demineralization).On the contrary, if enamel (or cementum) cracking, along with the generation of cracking, when enough dental caries demineralizations have developed and when breach is full of dentin liquid or mouth cavity liquid, produced electric conductance.In the time of closing of circuit, Current rise is to the value that is greater than zero.This occurs in the time there is disease damage, and being in proportion of the rising of electric current and disease damage.As shown in table 1 below and table 2, reducing has also appearred in electromotive force and resistance.In some embodiments, do not apply foreign current to guarantee patient safety.

Table 1: the table relevant with following Ohm's law variable: the electric conductance (I) when cell voltage is 8.61 volts is to resistance (R) and electromotive force (V).

Measurement illustrates: along with electric conductance increases, voltage and resistance all reduce.The increase of the seriousness of this form reflection dental caries.The values of circuit resistances calculating and resistance (R) row, R ₁+ R _s(100 kilo-ohms+1 kilo-ohm) matches nearly.

Table 2: the table relevant with following Ohm's law variable: the electric conductance (I) when cell voltage is 6.37 volts is to resistance (R) and electromotive force (V).

Measurement illustrates: along with electric conductance increases, voltage and resistance all reduce.The increase of the seriousness of this form reflection dental caries.The values of circuit resistances calculating and resistance (R) row, R ₁+ R _s(100 kilo-ohms+1 kilo-ohm) matches nearly.

In addition completing of the circuit while, obtaining any reading can be associated with the maximum current of 10 microamperes.As shown in table 3, earliest period disease damage reading is less than 4 microamperes.

Table 3: electric conductance and the demineralization mark of test tooth

circuit explanation

In the similar inspection (seeing the following examples 2) of non-dental caries, electric conductance reading shows

Going out is the meansigma methods of 0.0 microampere, and average demineralization mark is zero.

As shown in Figure 5, during dental caries is surveyed, this device is open circuit instrument substantially.When having or do not have while having helping such as the conduction of cream or saliva etc. fluid pass through disease damage position and this fluid to contact with measurement electrode, circuit is closed.Circuit can comprise from the rear side of patient's forearm, cervical region or buccal the current path to patient's tooth to be measured through his or her health.Can complete by realize this circuit with microampere meter and/or voltmeter measuring unit between indicator and reference electrode.Suitable benchmark is the E thousand G type silver/silver chloride electrodes (Silver Mae Trade plus Tab, cardiology operating room, Berlin, MA 0150) that attach to the facies ventralis of forearm.Lip hook also can be used, but be not desirable, because lip hook hinders using of the measurement electrode of being undertaken by dentist or other medical personnel.

As understood from Fig. 5, this device can provide electric power by two batteries.The first battery provides electric power for microampere meter, and if the words that comprise are also for voltmeter provides electric power.Current source output voltage is unadjusted (9 volts drop to 1 volt), and electric current as implied above output is defined as 10 microamperes.The second battery can provide electric power (see above) for current source circuit and control and supervisory circuit.This battery can have from 6.3 volts and changes to the voltage of 9.0 volts.In the time that voltage is less than 6.3 volts, should change battery.In some embodiments, open battery testing switch definite can the comprising of battery life.The first battery can be changed equally in the time that instrument shows low battery state.

Little load represents that hole is early stage in what develop; Little load and high resistance (for example, 22 megaohms) are associated.The disease damage evaluating in this case will cause a small amount of electric current and a small amount of reduction of voltage is shown.If for example, load higher (, the load reflecting with the resistance between 100 kilo-ohms to 600 kilo-ohms), electric current will be larger; It is larger that the reduction of voltage will become, and represent the more hole in later stage.If load is higher, resistance will be very low (for example,, between 1 kilo-ohm to 100 kilo-ohms).Electric current is by rising and reach and approach 10 microamperes of maximum currents; Correspondingly, voltage will be down to 1 volt, and will represent the more hole in later stage.

Additional building block in complete appliance circuit can comprise resistance (R ₁), shunt resistance (R _s) and microampere meter.R ₁by formula R ₁=V/A calculates, and wherein, V is voltage, and A is the electric current taking ampere as unit.Be designed so that decline is not less than 1 volt by current source output voltage.Such decline occurs during along with the reference electrode carrying out as system test and abscess probe short circuit wittingly (there is no patient in circuit) in the time carrying out pretest as described below.Largest current source in this situation is output as 10 microamperes, and R ₁=1 volt/10 microamperes=100 kilo-ohms (in table 1 and table 2).

For 200 microamperes of digitizing tablet instrument with 200 millivolts of scopes (full scale), shunt resistance R _scan be set as 1 kilo-ohm.In this case, R _s=V millivolt/I milliampere=200 millivolt/200 microamperes=1 kilo-ohm.

Be placed on reference electrode and be between timer probe for each resistance value be the complete circuit meter reading simulation dental caries situation of timer, and in result shown in table 1 and table 2.As mentioned above, the resistance value calculating will comprise circuitous resistance R ₁+ R _s; In table 1 and table 2, show these values with R=V/I row.

Utilize the voltage and current measurement (table 1 and table 2) that this device carries out that the form direct relevant with dental caries existence is all shown.The size in hole is relevant with the combination that the size of electric current, lower voltage and voltage and current change both.Battery voltage range difference is at table 1(8.61 volt) and table 2(6.37 volt) in; They do not produce significant difference aspect circuitous resistance, have produced in addition the microampere difference changing to 1.61 microamperes of 1 megaohm maximums with 80 kilo-ohms 0 microampere.

In the value about R=V/I of utilizing Ohm's law to calculate shown in table 1 and table 2.The value about circuitous resistance calculating matches nearly with the resistance row that ohm row and R=V/I calculate; This value about circuitous resistance calculating comprises the R for two battery voltage levels ₁(100 kilo-ohms)+R _s(1 kilo-ohm).

voltage-regulation

This device can use the power supply with 9 volts of unregulated voltages and 10 microamperes of limited current.Use unregulated voltage that voltage can be increased and decline (for example, dropping to 1 volt from 9 volts) along with load.If needed, use unregulated voltage that voltage data except current data also can be recorded.

The power supply that can also use the constant voltage that is defined as 10 microamperes of outputs to regulate.Different, along with load increases, voltage remains constant 9 volts, and electric current still rise (for example, rising to 10 microamperes from 0 microampere).Available current data is recordable, and current data value is directly related with the size that dental caries damage.

In essence, the importance that is timer is following development: (i) special measurement probe, including use the electrical conductivity of patient body and provide the current source that is defined as 10 microamperes of electric currents for measuring the method for electric conductance, and (iii) can survey rapidly activity site and can record quickly and accurately the method for electric conductance.As mentioned above, measure or be the measurement that does not relate to electric conductance (, open circuit) while there is not dental caries, or be the measurement that relates to electric conductance (, closed circuit) while there is dental caries.

processor and memorizer

In some embodiments, probe is attached to processor and storage medium.Can use any suitable processor, comprise the combination of single processor.Can use any suitable storage medium.Storage medium can comprise for storage such as any method of information of computer-readable instruction, data structure, program module or other data etc. or the volatibility of technology implementation, non-volatile, can delete and unsuppressible medium.The example of storage medium comprises RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CDROM, digital multipotency CD (DVD) or other optical memory, cartridge, tape, disk memory or other magnetic storage device, or can hope information and can be by any other medium of accountant or other processor access for storage period.Communication means between the building block of described configuration herein can comprise wired and wireless (for example, acoustics radio frequency, optics or infrared ray) communication means.By example, wire communication can be used such as twisted-pair feeder, coaxial cable, optical fiber, waveguide and other wired medium, and radio communication can be used methods such as said method.

In at least some embodiments, processor is attached to storage medium and sends data to the storage medium of storing or further calculating use.In some embodiments, storage medium can be of portable form, as CD etc.Storage medium can automatically record or record the data of being sent by processor.In some embodiments, storage medium is stored and is comprised patient name such as, the date of paying a home visit, the patient data such as the quantity of dental caries and/or the position of dental caries who detects in daily record.

Processor can also be attached to indicator.Indicator can be configured on probe or be configured to a part for processor.In at least some embodiments, can in the time dental caries damage being detected, send one or more signals.In another embodiment, can in the time electrical conductivity being detected first, send signal.Can send multiple dissimilar signals from indicator, comprise: for example at least one audible signal, at least one visual signal, at least one haptic signal, at least one scent signal, be sent to the combination of telemetered signal of another device etc. or above signal.For example, the signal sending can comprise one or more beeping sounds, chirp, squeak, stroke, the tinkle of bells, start or stop one or more lamps or light emitting diode one or many, and information can be shown in discharge of one or more display, one or more vibration or tactile pulses, one or more distinctive odor etc. or above combination.Indicator can be activated a period of time of any setting.In some embodiments, indicator is activated the time of at least 3 seconds to 5 seconds, makes dentists such as health doctor or existence that dental care supplier could verify or record dental caries.

As discussed, processor could be attached to the indicator of the signal form that is information or be issued.Alternatively, indicator can be the figured form of tooth.Along with probe moves above tooth, region can be drawn and be recorded as pictorial representation, so that possible dental caries to be shown.Such pictorial representation can help to cure mainly dentist or dental care supplier identifies possible problematic region.

device operation

Fig. 6 is the diagrammatic elevation view of the leading section of dental caries gauge.Device can operate as follows: open instrument by switch S 1 being moved on to " opening " position (i); Microampere meter reading is 0.00.If demonstration low battery state, needs to change instrument battery; (ii) switch S 2 is moved on to " battery testing " position; If test lamp does not brighten, need to change current source battery; (iii) switch S 2 is moved on to " opening " position; And (iv) use by socket and be connected to the probe of device and whether correctly reference electrode carrys out test circuit operation.Current source is supplied the output of 0 microampere 9 volts under open-circuit condition, and the output of 1 volt of (, in the time that reference electrode and probe contact with each other) supply maximum and 10 microamperes under short circuit closed circuit state.

In order to carry out test, can be first by making system obtain reading in its open position, then whether test reading scope is in its maximum.For the latter, tips of probes is placed to reference electrode and contacts and make short circuit.This makes the audition building block (calling set) in measuring unit start a period of time, and he or she realizes this prompting operation person and electrically contacting.In some embodiments, audition building block starts 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds or 10 seconds.In the time that beeping of audition building block stops, electrode is removed from the state contacting with measuring position.In the time that beeping sound finishes, trigger five number of seconds value holding circuits, this demonstration that causes demonstration on microampere meter to be not more than on 10 microamperes and voltmeter is not less than 1 volt.Reading can keep five seconds to be allowed for the time of read-record; Then, instrument is got back to 0 microampere and full cell voltage.System is ready to now to hide dental caries with indicator electrode and damages the detection at the continuous intermittence of use.The detection of can also sliding, wherein, probe is advanced along dehiscence furrow, and beeping sound or beep and will find out the early stage dental caries of hiding and damage.After this, immediately intermittently survey and will confirm whether disease damage exists and the size of disease damage.

For device can be convenient for carrying, can use battery.This has eliminated the needs for patient isolation technology and power line, and makes cost.Also can construct band wire commutator that drive or battery.Use band wire rectifier transformer that drive or battery to need power line and add patient isolation technology.Be supplied to the voltage of the circuit in instrument and by the voltage of the circuit supply in instrument be set and not can as battery may along with between the operating period little by little electric discharge change.The circuit operation of current source is the same.

These features can make it possible to obtain identical data from all such instrument.If expect to eliminate the needs for manual record data, can introduce data are recorded in to the method that prints in memorizer or on the contrary data.

The details that device is provided in the embodiment providing below, this embodiment only provides as explanation of the present invention, therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

embodiment 1

Become simulation condition of living body to illustrate device assembles: fluid can (from tissue fluid below) move through apical foramen along coronalplane, then through dental pulp, after this through dentin, to fill any breach or part breach (porose) enamel space.While doing like this, the original state relating to described in conductance circuit along with its during measuring open original state and closed original state shows.

Equipment is also worth the test in advance for tips of probes being carried out at the stability in use of gauge for detector probe top.This equipment also for giveing training health care provider before to patient's implementation and operation.

Device is made up of culture dish not with cover (diameter is 9 centimetres), this culture dish covers with rubber sheet or cardboard sheet material (15 square centimeters × 2 millimeters thick), the central authorities of sheet material are porose, and this hole is for making the stand up position (rubber dam that referring to live body uses) of tooth in to be detected and electrical testing.Another hole in sheet material is for holding reference electrode as above.In order to make it possible to add or remove saliva, serum or other fluid, cut again as required or suitably a hole.

Carry out support sheet with the wooden frame of 15 cm x 7 millimeters thick that are placed on culture dish top.By the 0.9%(w/v of 30 milliliters) sodium chloride solution is (, saline) add culture dish, and make to stand the root extruding of each tooth of measuring through the central hole of rubber sheet, until the root tip of root is immersed in the saline in culture dish about 2 millimeters to 3 millimeters.Saline enters dental pulp chamber by root canal or multiple root canal of tested tooth.Then, this saline passes through and some gap, dehiscence furrow or the nest with arrival test through dentinal tubule from dental pulp.There is any imperfect (, porose or breach) if cover enamel, will detect and measure electric current.

The reference electrode using in the time determining electric conductance is made up of the platinum filament of the suitable length in the saline solution being placed in culture dish, and is connected in the covered wire that leads to gauge.Indicator electrode can be similar with measurement top to the indicator electrode of describing in the above with Fig. 4 with reference to Fig. 3 with its removable measurement top.

embodiment 2

Comparing and confirm that this situation is in one group of experiment of situation about obtaining by biopsy perfecting tooth and dental caries, in 26 not cavitation dental caries and 13 new eruptions (therefore, obviously not cavitation and non-dental caries) tooth, measure the electric current of 6 to 8 occlusal surface positions of each tooth.In each position, read reading three times.Before measuring, by blowing 5 to 10 seconds, tooth is dried in advance at every turn.Then, utilize the tooth slice cutting to cementum-enamel connecting area gradually from engagement region by laterally dicing of the coronal of each tooth.This provides and is 630 microns of slabs.In the tooth of reconstruct dicing, due to the thickness of diamond blade in the cutting machine for cutting into slices (Isomet 11-1180, Biao Le company, Evanston city, Illinois), section is by 150 microns, interval.Each dropping cut slice is carried out to colour and take pictures, and the demineralization that represents disease damage progress degree is carried out visual inspection and given a mark in 0 to 4 scope.

As shown in table 3, the occlusal position place of electric conductance in 26 dental caries measuring changes to 3 microamperes from 0.3 microampere, and as shown in table 4, and all measurement occlusal positions place of electric conductance in 13 non-dental caries control teeth is zero.Be numbered according to the tooth of confirming in the general-purpose system his-and-hers watches 3 of tooth numbering and table 4.Upper right jaw third molar is demarcated as

" 1 ", and counting increases to the left side.Upper left jaw third molar is demarcated as " 17 ", and counting increases to the right along lower tooth.

Table 4: the demineralization mark of electric current and control tooth

Described in table 5 below, the visual inspection of the horizontal cross-section of the dental caries group of tooth illustrates the 2.11 ± 0.67(standard deviation in 0 to 4 scope) average demineralization mark (seeing above table 3).Their average conductance value (in table 3) is 2.16 ± 0.55(standard deviation) microampere.In contrast, the control group of tooth illustrates that average conductance is 0.0 microampere (table 4), and in these cross sections, does not see mineral loss.Their average demineralization mark is 0.Along with the difference (p<0.001) of demineralization value between two groups, it is very significant checking the difference of the current value between two groups that draw by Student t.

embodiment 3

First the occlusal surface of permanent molar of measuring respectively 40 taking-ups with measuring device to be to detect existing that dental caries damage, then by as tooth biopsy in above embodiment 2 confirm the existence of dental caries damage.This group tooth illustrates the current value between 0 microampere to 4 microamperes.Selected occlusal position in each section, and measure electric conductance three times in each position.Then, tooth carries out biopsy by the dicing as in embodiment 2, carries out visual inspection, and from the photochrome of tooth, demineralization is given a mark.Draw out electric current (Fig. 7) relative to demineralization mark.Dependency between electric conductance and the detection undertaken by biopsy is very high (r=0.914; P<0.001).

embodiment 4

Battery loses voltage along with use.This electric discharge can affect the stability of instrument readings.In order to test this probability, it between the probe of gauge is in timer that 100 kilo-ohms of resistance is incorporated into.These 100 kilo-ohms of resistance are R ₁and R _sadd the value of 101 kilo-ohms.In table 1, utilize the cell voltage of 8.61 volts, instrument is read 1.98 volts and 9.82 microamperes.Utilize Ohm's law R=V/I, this calculates 201 kilo-ohms.Table 2 illustrates similar measurement when cell voltage is 6.37 volts.Between the probe of this device, connect the identical resistance of 100 kilo-ohms, cause the meter reading of 1.98 volts and 9.83 microamperes.This also calculates 201 kilo-ohms.

Comparison sheet 1 and table 2, the difference of the value of calculation of R=V/I row is inapparent.The maximum difference of 1.6 microamperes when the difference of 0 microampere and 1000 kilo-ohms when the inspection of microampere row illustrates 80 kilo-ohms.This microampere of difference may be not remarkable in the time determining big or small that dental caries damage.Therefore, the accuracy of the detection dental caries of measuring device has been described.Therefore,, along with Voltaic battery power supply loses some electric charges in its electric charge, reading is unaffected.

embodiment 5

Carry out the research of 14 months, to detect by electric conductance with by looking the haptics member live body that relatively the interlock dental caries in the occlusal surface of the first permanent molar of Venezuela child damage.Participate in this investigation from 200 children Venezuela educational unit Baute, that the age is 9 years old to 11 years old.In 200 children that receive, 119 children adhere to finishing to this investigation, and these 119 bases that child is data analysis.In the time of baseline and after 14 months, all damage with detect dental caries depending on haptic methods and electric conductance method.Occlusal surface inspection is undertaken by two examiners.An examiner utilizes artificial light, probe and odontoscope to carry out and looks sense of touch inspection; Another examiner utilizes dental caries checkout gear of the present invention.Two examiners are carried out to the standardization about correlation method in advance.Standard based on shown in table 5 utilizes decay missing filling surface number (DMFS) scoring method to look sense of touch inspection.

Table 5: depending on the record standard using in sense of touch inspection method

1a: obviously find out after air drying

Translucent or the opaque variation of enamel surface

1b: can obviously find out opaque when still moist on surface

1c: be opaque or local enamel cracking when variable color at enamel

1d: the enamel of cavitation

2: the dental surface filling up

3: the dental surface of taking-up

4: there is no the translucent variation of enamel or there is the translucent minor variations of enamel (perfecting)

5: unerupted tooth surface

DMFS marking: 1a, 1b or 1c marking are D 1/2; 1d marking is D 1; 2 marking are for filling up; 3 marking are for disappearing; 4 marking are for sound.

For this embodiment, if any one standard in conformance with standard 1a to 1d, surface marking is dental caries, and if conformance with standard 4, surface marking is for sound.

Below in this dental caries shown in table 6 and table 7/sound result of giving a mark:

Table 6: show according to the state that utilizes (i) electric conductance method and (ii) look haptic methods occlusal number and percentage in the first permanent molar when the baseline.

Value in bracket represents with percentage ratio.

Table 7: show according to utilizing (i) electric conductance method and (ii) looking the occlusal number and percentage in the first permanent molar 14 months time of state of haptic methods.

Value in bracket represents with percentage ratio.

In the time of baseline, electric conductance (EC) method detected the occlusal surface that the many a lot of dental caries of the occlusal surface damaging than dental caries to observe depending on haptic methods damage (in table 6, the particularly dental caries shown in table 6/sound ratio; , obtain by E C method 5.10 and by obtain depending on haptic methods 0.84).This greatest differences can be owing to the greatest differences of their power of test,, when many disease damages very are early not yet when seeing depending on sense of touch inspection, and can be by looking compared with the disease damage that sense of touch means detect, EC checks the disease damage that can detect the developing earlier stage in disease damage., carry out the second inspection so that disease damage can develop when after baseline the 14 month, therefore become and can more easily detect by two kinds of methods.Result illustrates that by two kinds dental caries increases (table 6 and table 7, and see Figure 11) at baseline with between 14 months.Can see from table 6 and table 7, as time goes by (, after 14 months), dental caries surface and sound surperficial ratio along with dental caries with age development keep high value (, obtain by E C method 17.30 and by obtain depending on haptic methods 1.53).Figure 11 is clearly shown that the large dental caries power of test of utilizing EC to measure of dental caries power of test that Billy obtains with traditional mirror and detecting probe method, due to the power of test more greatly and early measuring by the EC that utilizes device of the present invention to carry out, therefore this should expect.

Because there is the primary treatment result of earlier detection, so the early detection of being undertaken by electric conductance is valuable especially in the pre-cavitation stage of dental caries development.The most important thing is, can be by compared with simple means, remineralization process realize treatment, but relate to larger disease damage (hole) and so-called boring and fill the use of restorative process by the late detection obtaining depending on sense of touch means.

embodiment 6

The size and shape on the dismantled and assembled measurement top of device of the present invention is key character.Tips of probes can be than easily putting into before in the position that has dental caries tendency.The tips of probes that tip size is changed is tested, and compares with the detection end that conventionally uses the scope of the detector probe existing of surveying and find out early stage hole in conjunction with hand mirror.

The tips of probes that changes to 0.73 millimeter at the practical top place diameter of surveying top from 0.12 millimeter is carried out to the inspection about the ability of the electric conductance in the device measuring molar of describing utilizing embodiment 1.In Fig. 8, represent result.Diameter provides analog result from 0.12 millimeter of top that changes to 0.40 millimeter.The top that is greater than 0.40 millimeter for diameter, because top can not thrust fully and can be received in a gap, dehiscence furrow or nest position, so the electric conductivity value of measuring taking microampere as unit declines.

The scope of commercially available tooth detector to the device that is attached to embodiment 1 is carried out similar conductance measurement (Fig. 9 and Figure 10) equally.Their top end diameter is larger than the top end diameter of description proposing herein dimensionally, therefore, has the position of dental caries tendency to thrust can to expect into as shown in FIG. 9 less, and even less as shown in Figure 10.These detectors can have been bought from the market, and comprise representational sample.Compared with top of the present invention, their top more greatly and round a little.Therefore, compared with commercially available detector top, the shape on top of the present invention is more suitable and thinner, therefore can more easily penetrate in occlusal position.In fact result in Figure 10 illustrates does not have electric conductance, this with probe to be not enough to provide the situation of thrusting compared with multiple current consistent.Fig. 9 shows identical thrusting.Therefore, the size restrictions on prior art top its penetrate into fully the ability in dental caries tendency position, therefore mean dissatisfied and diagnosis capability is insensitive.This restriction also puts on current available cluster shape top (, bunch bundle).These bunches cannot thrust dehiscence furrow dearly, and their behavior is the same with the behavior of the large scale electrode in Fig. 8, Fig. 9 and Figure 10.In addition, such cluster shape electrode tip shortage makes reproducible probe can be placed into the rigidity in dehiscence furrow position.

Claims (23)

1. for detection of the device that cavitation dental caries do not damage, described device comprises:

Measurement electrode, described measurement electrode has electric conductivity top, and described top is configured to be dimensionally received in dehiscence furrow and provides and the electrically contacting of patients teeth;

Reference electrode, described reference electrode is constructed for electrically contacting with patient body; And

Measurement component, described measurement component is used for determining the electric conductance between described measurement electrode and described reference electrode,

Wherein, described device is also configured to receive for the current source of electric current is provided between described measurement electrode and described reference electrode.

2. device according to claim 1, is characterized in that, described current source provides the electric current that can change in preset range.

3. device according to claim 1, is characterized in that, described device also comprises indicator, and described indicator is configured to send the signal that described measurement electrode and patients teeth electrically contact.

4. device according to claim 3, is characterized in that, described signal is audible signal.

5. device according to claim 1, is characterized in that, described device also comprises timer, and described timer is configured to regulate the timing of the measurement of being undertaken by described measurement component.

6. device according to claim 5, is characterized in that, described timer is configured to show that described measurement reaches predetermined a period of time.

7. device according to claim 5, is characterized in that, described timer is formed between described measurement electrode and patients teeth and obtains and measure after Continuous Contact predetermined amount of time.

8. device according to claim 1, is characterized in that, described measurement electrode comprises electric insulation handle portion and electric conductivity top ends.

9. device according to claim 1, is characterized in that, the described electric conductivity top of described measurement electrode comprises: the axle with the diameter of the length of about 30 millimeters and about 1.5 millimeters; And with respect to the angled tapered portion of described axle, described tapered portion there is the length of about 7.5 millimeters and the diameter that reduces gradually to be provided for penetrating into the tip in dehiscence furrow.

10. device according to claim 9, is characterized in that, described axle and described tapered portion are oriented relative to one another to 90 ° of angles.

11. devices according to claim 9, is characterized in that, described tapered portion has the diameter of about 0.3 millimeter and attenuates as point at the length range inner conical of about 1.8 millimeters.

12. devices according to claim 8, is characterized in that, described electric conductivity top ends comprises rustless steel.

13. devices according to claim 1, is characterized in that, described reference electrode provides with the electric conductivity of body surface and contacts.

14. devices according to claim 3, is characterized in that, described indicator is configured to determine and electrically contact with predetermined time interval.

15. devices according to claim 1, is characterized in that, described device also comprises the storage medium that can receive and store from the electric conductance data of described measurement component.

16. 1 kinds of devices that damage for detection of cavitation dental caries not, described device comprises measurement electrode, described measurement electrode has electric conductivity top, described top is configured to be dimensionally received in dehiscence furrow and provides and the electrically contacting of patients teeth, and described measurement electrode is configured to receive the electric current from current source.

17. devices according to claim 16, is characterized in that, described measurement electrode comprises: the axle with the diameter of the length of about 30 millimeters and about 1.5 millimeters; And with respect to the angled tapered portion of described axle, described tapered portion there is the length of about 7.5 millimeters and the diameter that reduces gradually to be provided for penetrating into the tip in dehiscence furrow, wherein, described tapered portion has first diameter of about 0.3 millimeter and attenuates as point at the length range inner conical of about 1.8 millimeters.

18. devices according to claim 1, is characterized in that, the suspected locations of damaging at cavitation dental caries not by air drying after, described electric conductivity top can arrive fluid in dehiscence furrow to be enough to realize closed circuit.

19. devices according to claim 18, is characterized in that, closed circuit can start in the case of not existing the conductor fluid that is introduced into described dehiscence furrow.

20. devices according to claim 16, is characterized in that, the described electric conductivity top of described measurement electrode is can dismounting.

21. devices according to claim 16, it is characterized in that, described electric conductivity top attaches to described measurement electrode by knurled knob type locking component, and described knurled knob type locking component can regulate outstanding from described measurement electrode on described electric conductivity top.

22. devices according to claim 16, is characterized in that, disposable electric conductivity top attaches to described measurement electrode so that the telecommunication between described top and described measurement electrode to be provided by contact spring.

23. devices according to claim 22, is characterized in that, described electric conductivity top is reinforced into tooth observability and the flexing resistance that permission is larger coaxially.